Collapsible container for liquids



July 15, 1958 R. B. DoDsoN CDLLAPSIBLE CONTAINER FOR LIQUIDS Filed Sept. 27, 1956 I NVEN TOR.

ATTD RN EYE United States Patent COLLAPSIBLE CONTAINER FOR LIQUIDS Reb B. Dodson, Post, Tex.

Application September 27, 1956, Serial No. 612,461 4 Claims. (Cl. 220-4 This invention relates to containers particularly adapted for liquids such as photograph developing solutions, and in particular a container having a U-shaped frame, channel-shaped in cross section and having side plates of glass or the like retained against the flanges of the frame with a U-shaped spacing element such as a strip of rubber or the like.

The purpose of this invention is to provide an improved container for developing solutions in which the container may be readily taken apart to facilitate cleaning.

Developing solutions are usually used in flat trays and as it is necessary to develop in dark rooms it is difficult to watch the picture as the film or paper is being developed. Furthermore, such trays are difiicult to clean and developing solutions are often contaminated with foreign matter remaining in trays from one developing operation to another.

With these thoughts in mind this invention contemplates a container including a holding frame, channelshaped in cross section with glass panels retained in spaced relation by a rubber spacing element wherein the container is adapted to hold the developing solution and wherein films and paper are developed while positioned on edge.

The object of this invention is, therefore, to provide an improved container for developing solutions in which the elements of the container are readily taken apart for cleaning.

Another object of the invention is to provide a container for developing solutions in which only a comparatively small area of the solution is exposed to the atmosphere.

Another important object of the invention is to provide an improved container for developing fluids in which film, paper, and the like are developed between glass plates wherein the process of a picture thereon may readily be observed.

A further object of the invention is to provide a collapsible container for photographic developing solutions in which the container is of a simple and economical construction.

With these and other objects and advantages in view the invention embodies a U-shaped frame having a base with vertically disposed end portions, said parts being channel-shaped in cross section, glass plates in the frame and positioned against flanges of the base and end portions thereof, and a U-shaped spacing element of rubber or other resilient material positioned between the plates.

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear from the following description taken in connection with the drawing, wherein;

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of the container with the inner edges of the inner spacing element shown in broken lines.

Figure 2 is an end elevational view of the container.

Figure 3 is a plan view of the container.

Figure 4 is a longitudinal section through the container taken on a line corresponding with the near side of the 2,843,285 Patented July 15, 1958 resilient spacing member and with part of the resilient spacing member broken away and shown in section.

Figure 5 is a cross section through the container.

Figure 6 is a side elevational view of the frame of the container with the parts shown on a reduced scale.

Figure 7 is a side elevational view of the rubber or resilient spacing member.

Figure 8 is a side elevational view showing one of the glass panels positioned in the side of the container.

Referring now to the drawing wherein like reference characters denote corresponding parts the improved collapsible container of this invention includes a frame, channel-shaped in cross section having a base 10 with vertically disposed end sections 11 and 12, panels 13 and 14 of glass or other suitable transparent material and a spacer of rubber or other suitable resilient material having a base 15 and end sections 16 and 17.

The frame, including the sections 10, 11 and 12 is channel-shaped in cross section having a web or back 18 with flanges 19 and 20 at the sides, and, as shown in Figs. 3 and 5 the transparent panels 13 and 14 arepositioned against inner surfaces of the flanges 19 and 20 whereby the transparent panels are retained in position and with the resilient member including the base 15 and end sections 16 and 17 urged in between the panels 13 and 14 the panels are resiliently urged against the flanges 1'9 and 20, providing a seal.

With the parts assembled as illustrated and described and with the upper end open liquid may readily be placed in the container, stored, or used and readily removed therefrom.

When used for developing film, paper, or plates the film, plates, or paper is positioned on edge whereby the entire surface may readily be observed through the transparent panels at the sides and with the device positioned on edge only a comparatively small area of the developing solution is exposed to the atmosphere. The useful life of the liquid or developing solution is, therefore, extended indefinitely. Furthermore, with the film, plates, or paper positioned on edge the developing process may readily be observed through the transparent panels so that the necessity of removing the negative or picture from the solution for examination is obviated.

With the U-shaped frame, U-shaped spacer and panels arranged as shown and described the parts may readily be taken apart for cleaning.

It will be understood that modifications, within the scope of the appended claims, may be made in the design and arrangement of the parts without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A collapsible liquid container comprising a U-shaped frame, channel-shaped in cross section having a base with upwardly extended end sections, panels of transparent material positioned in opposite sides of the frame, and a resilient spacer having a base with upwardly extended end sections positioned between the panels of transparent material providing sealing means at the bottom and ends of the container.

2. A collapsible liquid container comprising a frame having a base with upwardly extended ends, said base and ends being channel-shaped in cross section having a back with flanges at the sides, panels of transparent material in the frame and positioned with edges thereof 1 against inner surfaces of the flanges, and a spacer of re silient material and also having a base with upwardly disposed ends extended between the panels of transparent material providing sealing means at the bottom and ends of the container.

3. In a collapsible liquid container, the combination which comprises a U-shaped frame having a base with upwardly extended end sections, said base and end sections being channel-shaped in cross section having webs with flanges at the edges, panels mounted in the frame and positioned against the inner surfaces of the flanges of the baseand end sections of the frame, and spacer of resilient material positioned between the panels for urging the panels against the said flanges and providing sealing means at the bottom and ends of the container.

4. In a collapsible liquid container, the combination which comprises a U-shaped frame having a base with upwardly extended end sections, the base and end sections being channel-shaped in cross section having webs 4 with inwardly extended flanges at the edges, glass panels mounted in the frame and positioned against inner surfaces of the flanges, and a U-shaped rubber spacer also having a base with upwardly extended end sections positioned between the panels.

Herman July 26, 1932 Ehrlich June 25, 1940 

